Date
Contact Name
Address
Dear Contact Name,
As community leaders and organizations search for proven ways to improve health outcomes in their communities, it is important to consider information about initiatives that can have a measurable, positive impact. I am contacting you on behalf of Organization Name to raise awareness about the benefits of worksite lactation supportforboth employers and breastfeeding employees.
Studies show that breastfeeding is good for babies, good for mothers, good for businesses, and good for communities. Yet barriers to breastfeeding exist in workplace settings. Texas employers have a tremendous opportunity to create worksite environments that support mothers in achieving their breastfeeding goals after they return to work and benefit the bottom line at the same time.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended through the first six months of an infant’s life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Yet most women stop breastfeeding long before that time, citing returning to work or school as the top reasons for their decisions. Approximately 60 percent of new mothers returning to work are unable to achieve their breastfeeding goals, and only 10 percent of full-time working women exclusively breastfeed for six months.
Worksite lactation support initiatives allow mothers to comfortably express and store breastmilk when they are apart from their babies. They can be implemented with a few simple steps for minimal investment, and they can be flexible to suit the needs of both the employer and the employee. Benefits to businesses include reduced turnover and absenteeism, reduced health-care expenditures, higher employee morale and loyalty, and a $3 return for every $1 invested.
As a representative of an organization committed to making breastfeeding support a priority, I would like to make a brief presentation about the benefits of worksite lactation support to your members or meet with you personally. In addition, I can share information and resources about the existing Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite designation by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Currently more than 900 Texas worksites are realizing benefits from achieving this designation, which recognizes employers for successful implementation of a worksite lactation support program. I am happy to provide you with Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite designation information to share with your members and key leaders.
Please contact me at phone or e-mail to arrange a meeting or presentation opportunity. I look forward to working with you as a partner in communicating the benefits of breastfeeding and strengthening our community’s support of families and their health. For additional information about worksite lactation support, please visit:
Sincerely,
Name
Title
Organization Name